Writing Tools

I used a Glog to show some basic technology tools for writing - these hopefully make the writing process more engaging and manageable for our struggling writers.

Click on the image to go to the Glog.

How to Find & Use Word Templates

Click on the image.

Tools for Converting Text into Speech - Read Aloud

For Mac computers - look in the left column. For PC computers - the right column. For either Mac or PC - see the middle column.

A Case for 21st Century Education

For more information about this topic, go to EdTechActionNework.

Technology For Learning - My New Website

Visit my new website.

Technology for Learning

Click on the picture or the web address below.

http://sites.google.com/site/technologyforlearning/

Make a Chart in Word

Lately I've been teaching workshops about how to improve our data collection methods. One of the things we do is learn to make charts using Microsoft Word. You can use charts for so many things, and they are very easy to make. Click on the link, "Make a Chart", below to watch a 5 minute video about how to make charts in Word.

Make a Chart For written directions look in my Microsoft Handouts section, for "Make a Chart".

-Sheri

AAC Practices in Special Education - Part 1

This information is summarized from a presentation given by Gail M. Van Tatenhove, PA, MS, CCC-SLP, on January 15, 2009.



A common goal for all AAC users is PARTICIPATION - or to "Talk in Class".


Challenges to AAC classroom practices:

• Communication Opportunities are Activity-based. There is limited talking outside of specific activities. It’s common to plan AAC into an activity or daily routine, yet just as important (or more so) for communication to occur throughout the school day in every situation.

• AAC users develop “learned passivity”. Students with severe communication problems are much less likely to initiate communication on their own. They often assume the role of 'responder'. The opportunities for communication then tend to be limited to responding to questions, often with yes/no answers.
  

• AAC users become prompt dependent. Some prompting is important to the teaching process, but prompts should be used sparingly since children can become dependent on them. Allow time for an AAC user to use their system when opportunities arise.

• AAC Systems are often classroom based; yet need to be flexible enough to meet communication needs in a variety of settings (community, doctors office, home).

• Technology is often emphasized over language. Consider the developmental sequence for social interaction & conversation, communication beyond making requests and having basic needs met. Such as; "mine", "my turn", "go"...
  

The majority of vocabulary should be - permanently available, appropriate high-frequency, reusable words that work in any situation. More on vocabulary selection in part 2.

-Sheri